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Dean's Note

This time of year is one of transition liturgically without knowing fully what is happening. The Season of Pentecost, known affectionately as Ordinary Time, begins in May after the Day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit blows through, and ends with Advent at the end of November, early December. For the month of September, we have also been celebrating the Season of Creation – a worldwide observance focusing on the care of creation. The urgent need to be advocates and faithful stewards are realities as the impacts of global warming grow in strength. We ended this season within a season last Sunday with the Blessings of Animals.

In our Gospel readings, Jesus is approaching the cross. We have traveled with him through the active ministry of his life, teaching in parable, healing the sick, and proclaiming good news to the poor, especially those cast out. At the end of November our liturgical year will start anew in Advent, as we prepare to welcome the Christ child into our hearts and lives once again.

So, here we are. Our beautiful choir has returned, and Dr. Christopher Gravis will join us next Sunday – back from his sabbatical, and his long walk on the Camino. Let us give our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Zachery Neufeld for his gifts of music, and Hilary Fraser-Thomson for her lovely voice. Let us also thank our wonderful lay leaders and dedicated staff who serve most every day, with gracious and generous hearts.

There is much happening between now and Advent, including the Episcopal Chorale’s 40^th Anniversary on October 8th and The Guibord Center Gala on October 12th, next week. Then mark your calendar for The Rev. Dr. Eric Law and the continuation of our parish wide conversations about what we love about St. John’s, and how God might be calling this parish forward. On October 22nd and November 5th, there will be a combined service at 9:00am, followed by brunch and visioning from 10:00am – 12:30pm. You matter greatly! Thank you for your presence among us. 

Much love and blessings,

Anne Sawyer

Interim Dean & Priest-in-Charge

Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, October 8th, 2023

Said Mass is at 10:00 am | In-Person Only

Choral Mass is at 10:00 am| In-Person and Online



Livestream available via Facebook and YouTube | Service Leaflet

The Rev. James Lee Walker

Sunday, October 15, 2023

The Rev. James Lee Walker will be our guest preacher at both our 8 am and 10 am services on October 15th.

Fr. Walker invites you to gather after the 10 am Mass for a further discussion of Lay Ministry. Please get your coffee and join the group for a discussion of points raised in today's sermon in particular and in Lay Ministry in general.

The Cursillo Path

This Sunday October 8th, between morning services, the rector for Los Angeles Diocese Episcopal Cursillo, Jim Brown will be present to speak and answer questions regarding the purpose and function of the organization within the diocese. Once a year, a retreat weekend is held for new membership. Due to restrictions from the Coronavirus Pandemic, the last retreat was held in 2019. For many adult Episcopalians, the Cursillo Weekend is a profoundly joyful and enriching spiritual experience.

Women will be having their once a year retreat from October 19 - 22, and men will have their retreat weekend the following weekend of October 26 - 29. Please come to learn more about this wonderful ministry within the Episcopal Community.

The Episcopal Cursillo Weekend

Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry has powerfully reminded The Episcopal Church that it is a branch of the Jesus Movement. Within The Episcopal Church, the Episcopal Cursillo Ministry Committee oversees the Cursillo Movement. The Movement reaches out with a time-tested and proven Method for encouraging and equipping Christians to engage fully and faithfully in leading the Jesus Movement. This time-tested method is the Cursillo Method.

The Episcopal Cursillo Weekend is one part of the Method, which has three co-equal parts: Pre-Cursillo (time before the Weekend), the Weekend, and the Fourth Day (time after the Weekend).

Vestry On-Call

Charlotte Borst



Vestry members are partners with clergy, encouraging the growth of community and the establishment of common ground in the spiritual life of the congregation. Parishioners are always welcome to speak with these individuals on Sunday morning; they assist in making sure our questions, comments, or concerns are heard.

The Episcopal Chorale

40th Anniversary Gala Concert

Sunday, October 8, 2023

The Episcopal Chorale will be marking its 40th anniversary at St. John's with a Gala Concert on Sunday, October 8 at 4:00pm. The concert will feature the Episcopal Chorale Society under the direction of Canon Dr. Charles Cheatham, Dream Orchestra with conductor Daniel Suk, and The California Philharmonic Art Chorus led by Director Baisheng Xu. Admission to the event requires tickets, which can be obtained with a $25 donation by calling (323) 854-2268.

Contemplative Service at Kilgore Chapel

Tuesdays at 7:30 pm

Join us every Tuesday at 7:30 pm at Kilgore Chapel for guided silent prayer and contemplation. No experience is necessary.

This service is led by St. John's Cathedral and Canterbury USC.

For more information, contact Rev. Mel at msoriano@stjohnsla.org